Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The Fuel Experiment


February 29 - GU Energy Gels have always been my choice for fueling during training runs. Tri-Berry is my favorite flavor.


I ran the Half at the Hamptons a couple of weeks ago and found out that using energy gel for fuel during a race can be a rather sticky experience. In all my runner gracefulness I ended up with more GU on my hands than in my mouth.

As I prepare to run the Cox Rhode Races Half Marathon in May, I am looking for the perfect fuel to use during the race. I want something I can take on the run and won't be messy.

After raiding the shelves at my local Sports Authority, here is what I came home with...

Choice #1:

PowerBar Energy Blasts are gel filled chews with a liquid center. Uses C2MAX formula - "a 2:1 glucose to fructose blend found to deliver...more energy to muscles..." 190 calories per serving (pouch). Nutrition Facts: 60mg Sodium, 45g Carbs, 36g Sugars, 3g Protein, 0 Potassium. Price $2.29

Choice #2:

Sport Beans are energizing jelly beans. Quick energy replenished from carbohydrates, electrolytes and vitamins B & C. 100 calories in a serving (package). Nutrition Facts: 80mg Sodium, 25g Carbs, 17g Sugars, 0 Protein, 40mg Potassium. Price $1.49

Choice #3:

GU Chomps are energy chews. Sustained energy through amino acids, Vitamins A & C, and electrolytes. 90 calories per serving (4 pieces). Nutrition Facts: 50mg Sodium, 23g Carbs, 11g Sugars, 0 Protein, 40mg Potassium. Price $2.20 (2 servings in package)

Choice #4:

CLIF Shot Blocks are semi-solid energy chews. Each chew replaces carbohydrates and electrolytes during activity. 100 calories per serving (3 pieces). Nutrition Facts: 70mg Sodium, 24g Carbs, 12g Sugars, 0 Protein, 20mg Potassium. Price $2.49 (2 servings in package) 



So my plan is to try a different fuel source on each of my next long training runs. My goal is to find one that is easy to use, provides an energy boost, and tastes good!

Do you use fuel during your workouts? 
Which do you recommend?




28 comments:

  1. I use the beans as first choice then Shot Blocks. I also like the energy chomps but they're too big to fit in my pocket usually :)

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    1. Not having tried anything beyond GU yet, I think I'm going to like the beans.

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  2. I love GU. I dont like the blocks b/c they get stuck in my teeth!

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    1. I'm afraid of that. I really like GU too, just wish I could open it and get it in my mouth without making a sticky mess!

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  3. I'm so ADD when it comes to my running fuel. I've been wanting to try PowerBar energy blasts but haven't yet. Also, glad you mentioned Tri-berry Gu. I'm always afraid to swtich from Espresso & Vanilla bean -- basically the only ones I use. I didn't see this on there but I really like Honey Stinger jellies...my fav! Shot blocks are another love! You have to find the right combo for you!

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    1. I didn't see the Honey Stinger jellies at the store. I'll have to try to find them and try them too. Thanks!

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  4. My gel of choice may not meet your not-messy criteria - I make my own from chia seeds, a mash of tropical fruit, brown rice syrup, and some electrolytes (potassium & sodium primarily). Recipe here: http://www.nomeatathlete.com/homemade-energy-gel-chia/

    But I sometimes use commercial gels, too. Recently I tried Honey Stingers (regular & chocolate), and I liked those.

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    1. Thanks for the recipe. My problem is not getting the gels all over me when I'm taking them on the run. That's what I need to research =)

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  5. Good luck! I love Sports Beans, and sometimes use Gu (but only chocolate or vanilla - the rest make me gag). I tried one other, I think Shot Bloks, and didn't like them. They were hard to chew and stuck to my teeth too much. Gross.

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    1. Sports Beans are my predicted winner. If I could only get GU to work without the mess, I'd be all set!

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  6. I have to do Gu because I have such issue with having to chew anything. It alwasy makes me gag. I wish I could be one of those people who fuel with things like Swedish Fish. So cheap!

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    1. I am hoping that I don't have a gag problem. We'll see. Haven't heard of Swedish Fish before...

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  7. It sounds like we are doing the same experiment. I just tried Chomps during my half, and although I like the way they taste, they are kind of hard to chew while running, and my mouth got stuck together. I have tried shot blocks and I really don't like the taste of them. I'm going to try sport beans next. Can't wait to see your reviews of them all! :)

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  8. Oh and the gu-like things don't really sit well with my stomach. My favorite of those are the new Vega ones (you can get them at Whole Foods or similar). But I'm hoping I find something else. I really like to dissolve a Vega gel in some water and carry that, but I don't want to carry liquids during a race...

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    1. I'm wondering about the chewing thing...and I think the beans will win out. We'll have to compare notes soon =)

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  9. I like Gu. I usually use one of the citrus flavors, and I reserve the type with caffeine for races or especially long runs. I also like Larabars. I'm going new distances, so I am experimenting with what works best when I'm out running for hours...

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    1. GU is definitely sounding like the most popular choice. I am starting to think I just may need to "practice" taking it on the run, lol.

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  10. I've found that GU is best for racing for me. with any kind of chews the first issue is that running in cold weather makes my nose run and impossible to breath through, so chewing means I can't breath well. haha I'm a mess. I also like GU because I'm not afraid of dropping any pieces of the chews. Otherwise, I like chews for training runs, I use them to motivate myself because they're like candy.

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    1. That's what I'm thinking about the beans...they'll feel like a treat during all those miles!

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  11. chomps!!! i love those, even when i am not running. But if you use those, make sure you pack floss in your race belt. hehe.

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  12. You should also try Hammer Gel Apple Cinnamon. It tastes like the inside of an apple pie. Hands down though, the best "exercise" food product I have used is Honey Stinger Waffles. They are the most palatable and tasty energy food I have every used. I've tried them all over the past 23+ years of racing and the waffles rock. The Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews are really good too.

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  13. I love Shot Bloks and Sport Beans. The Energy Blasts are great but not for winter runs. When they get cold, they are super hard to chew. The only way I've kept them warm was by putting them in my sports bra for those winter runs. Then nobody wants to share with me. :)

    I have not tried the GU Chomps. Actually, I don't believe I've even see them in my area.

    I have tried GU before and can only take non-caffeinated GU. For some reason, the caffeine ones really make me sick when I run. PB GU is my absolute all time favorite GU!

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  14. Running fuel is such a hard choice since everyone responds differently to each product. I agree with you that gels can get very sticky! I love love love Cliff Shot Blocks. I always opt for the ones without caffeine. I once used to many caffeinated shot blocks in a half marathon which led to horrible dehydration. I look forward to seeing which fuel works for you!

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  15. Gu is my fave, but I also like sports beans and shot blocks!

    ❀Barbara❀
    My Running Shortz

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  16. Good luck on your experiment! I use fuel on runs longer than 13, but don't care for gels... honestly, I usually take along my own snacks, like raisins instead. I used date-nut balls for my marathon, worked just as well and I prefer whole foods. But I know I'm in the minority. :)

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  17. ohhhh if fueling was easy. it sucks. I have tried most everything out there. I find it hard to chew during a race. so I only use gel for races. but use the clif shot blocks and sport beans before a race or during training runs. the gu chomps bother my stomach. but def no chewing for me during races... I also take my gu or what have you right before water stations.

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  18. I always use GU gels... they are my go to choice because they are easy to carry and consume quickly. The second fuel of choice is sport beans. I pair the flavor up with my gatoraide. Orange and orange, red and red, etc. It's kind of fun and helps. But I don't think I could race a really long distance on just beans... it needs to be with another fuel choice.

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    1. Sports Beans has become my favorite, but during my last half marathon I probably should have used GU.

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